(1) A good fencing design and installation company will first visit your property and then provide you with a free, written proposal. Avoid working with a company that gives estimates by phone without seeing your property first.

(2) The estimator / consultant are your first view of the company you are considering. The estimator / consultant should be knowledgeable, prompt and courteous.

(3) Make sure the work proposal covers all the details, including the type of fence, gates, materials and footage requirements. Be wary of a company whose price is significantly lower than the other proposals you have considered.

(4) Use a local fencing company. If you have a problem, you may want to be able to drive to their office (or have a decision maker drive to your property) so you can come to some kind of resolution. On the positive side, a visit to their headquarters will give you an idea of how they do business. If they run a clean, tight ship chances are your project will be run the same way.

(5) Use a company that has been in business for at least two years. Even if the company is young, find out who the principals are and how long they have been in the fencing business. You will most likely receive a better product from a company that is staffed by highly trained, seasoned fence installation professionals as opposed to a home improvement generalist.

(6) Ask the company about their warranties. A good fence installation company will honor manufacturers’ warranties for materials defects. The best companies will do that and provide a warranty supporting their workmanship.

(7) Contractors should carry personal liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance. Avoid doing business with contractors who don’t carry the appropriate insurance. Otherwise, you may be held liable for any injuries and damages that can occur during a project.

(8) When comparing estimates or proposals, make sure each one is based on (a) same scope of work, (b) same set of specifications, (c) the same set of plans. If your contractor suggests deviations, ask that they be presented as options.